It wouldn’t be a parade without bands
KINGSTON – Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was graced by beautiful weather, afternoon temperatures reaching the low 60s. As usual, most of the city participated in the annual event – either as spectators, participants or racers in the charity Shamrock Run.
Several thousand sprinted down Broadway ahead of the parade, wearing
their registered T-shirts, to raise money for needy causes. At least those
up front were moving fast. As the hoards passed by, those trailing behind
appeared somewhat slower, carrying along at a walking pace. Overall, they
displayed a love of fitness and verve for springtime.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Easter Uprising, which sparked the Irish Independence movement. The moment was not lost to local Hibernians, who commemorated the memory of those brave fallen revolutionaries, in their annual parade program guide. Irish-Americans were acknowledged for their material support provided during the war.
Christine Hein, who is the executive director of People’s Place Food Pantry and wife of Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, was the grand marshal of the parade.
Lei Isaacs, a Midtown resident who brought her dog, Sparky with her, attended the parade every year.
“It is wonderful to see so many of our Kingston neighbors, and such diversity,” Isaacs said. “I think everyone’s Irish, and sunburned,” noting the mild winter and what appears to be an early spring. “All of my flowers are up. I don’t know what’s going to happen if we get some cold weather, but I’m thinking positive.”
Other public officials marching down Broadway included Mayor Steven Noble, Congressman Christopher Gibson, county legislators and city councilmen. Gibson wore his trademark Irish wool sweater, despite the warm weather.
